The Ministry of Health wishes to share a few tips on how citizens can protect themselves from high noise levels, sunburn and the consumption of unsafe food and water during the carnival period.

Noise Levels and CarnivalHigh noise levels, even short-term exposure, can permanently damage a person’s hearing and lead to annoying tinnitus (noise in the ear) which may not ever go away. It is not difficult to judge if the level of noise is loud enough to cause damage to hearing. The following signs should alert persons that the sound around them is loud enough to damage hearing:

Persons have to shout to be heard

Persons cannot understand anyone who is speaking to them from less than two (2) feet away

Persons experience ringing in the ears or hearing loss after exposure to the loud sounds

The following is some general advice for the Carnival season:

All persons especially children, should stay well away from speaker boxes, music trucks, very loud steel-bands or any other source of loud sound

Ear protection (earplugs or earmuffs) should be worn if any adult or child is likely to be exposed to loud sound for long periods of time

All musicians (including steelband players, music band players, rhythm section players, entertainers, etc.) should wear ear protection whenever the level of sound is high

All masqueraders should wear ear protection if they are likely to be near to the music source or loud sound (e.g. near the “big truck”)

Walking in front of loudspeakers should be avoided

When wearing ear protection, individuals should be very alert and avoid areas with moving vehicular traffic or similar hazards, as all sounds will be muted

Children wearing hearing protection should be closely supervised at all times

Protection From Sunburn

Use sunscreen on any exposed skin areas. An SPF of 45+ is recommended. Use lip balm as well.

Don’t forget hard-to-reach places such as the backs of your knees, back of your neck, elbows and the back of your ears. Feet should also be included if you are wearing sandals, flip-flops or going bare-foot.

Put a small amount of oil or sunscreen so burning your hair will be avoided.